Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1887-11-19
The Factory Slave
BY G. WALDO BROWNE.

symphony OF the rushing waters,
Hardly had the October sun sum- be
hind the western hills when dull. leao Ell
clouds came trOoping over the sky with
| ominOus threateningS of rain.
The streets of M had deserted
appearance; only an occasional carriage
being seen. and few pedestrians were
abroad.
One of these last hurriedly crossing
the bridge which spans the river just
below the long row of hills lining its
left bank, suddenly paused in his rapid
progress as IL light form bounded out
of the shadows into the gaslight's
ghostly glare.
Coming and going like flash of sun
light in that night scene. the gentle
man caught the CLEAN of fair girish
face and long. golden hair; but the
cOuntenance bore a wild. hunted look
and her disheveled tresses streamed in
the wind.
With low exclamation upon his lips
he peered into the gloom, hoping to
catch another sight of the fleeing one.
Nor did he look in vain, for moment
later she reappeared, seen more plainly
this time in the blaze of the light from
the factory windows.
The girl had passed upon a point of
rock which jutted out into the stream.
Her hands were uplfted and her pallid
countenance bore look of despair.
Her voice fell in supplicating tones
upon the night air to be drowned by
the sullen roar of the rushing river.
and the busy factory wheels.
20, Father in heaven! forgive me if
this be wrong. but l am driven to it!
My burdens are more than | can bearl
In the grave there is rest"
The words reached not the ears OF
the watcher on the bridge. but he had
real in that woe-begone countenance a
swfter, more emphatic message.
Bounding to the end of the bridge.
he sprang down the embankme mt, re-
gardless of what the consequences
might be to himself. With last wild
look at the gloomy walls looming be-
fore her. the girl leaped from the rock.
Not into the cold embrace of the water
however. the Outstretched arms of he
who had sped to her rescue, caught
her in. season to avert 50 terrible a
fate.
The fall quite took away her breath.
and when she slowly opened her eyes
she found herself lying upon the ground
with some One-a strengthening
over her.
The light fell upon his features, dis
closing a countenance of manly beauty.
The eyes were fixed upon her with an
earnest look rs if their gaze alone
would bring her back TO life
Where am I?' she faltered, unable
to comprehend this strange awakening.
"Safe. he answered, simply. Are
you hurt?"
No, 1 think not. But who are
you?"
"A friend. came none too soon to
save YOU"
Save me?" starting up wildly, her
hair falling about her shoulders in a
tangled mass of gold Save mel" she
repeated. oh. remember now, Why
did you come? Leave mel /" strug-
ling to break from him.
''Be calm" he said, gently. You
do not realize what you are doing
Would you take your life?'
Let me go! let me 90, do not want
to live! she moaned, with frantic eff
forts to free herself.
Finding her endeavOrs fut le. how
ever, she finally became calmer.
You will go to your friends now,"
he said.
81 have no friendsr was the sad re-
ply. ii am homeless friendless and
alone in the world. Oh, sir, | had
rather die than
"Hush" he interrupted. ut is wrong
to talk thus. One so young and beau
tful cannot be an outcast You have
met with some great disappointment.
You will think better of this when Won
have given it a calm second thought"
His low tone was as soft as a moth
ers might have been. II fell with
soothing effect upon the excited crea-
ture who turned her large, blue eyes
in which the teardrops stood. upon him
until they met his. when she started
aside in confusion.
"Who are you?" she faltercd.
"A stranger in these parts. VIII YOU
not 90 home now? fear YOU will catch
cold in the chill night air Besides it
Is likely to rain at any moment"
ALIAS! ! have nowhere TO go" she
sighed. You had better have let me
gor'
mo. no! not that. Please come with
me, and as we walk along you can tell
me your story. for | am sure YOU
have reason in following your I'M
fortunate course. What is your name,
please"
ELLA Ma, bury ara only a factory
slave. They told me 50 tonight" she
added, bitterly.
care your parents lving?'
"NO; they died while was small
child. was bound Oat to a farmer
and his wife IN the town of Devon. |
cannot begin TO tell you the abuse
have suffered at ;hc r hands Ii SEEM
ed more than ! could bear and at last,
through the influence OF one whom
thought was my friend, / ran away and
came TO the city.
81 began Ia work the mill, but NV
paw was so small and | have been sick
so much that have almost given up
many times. All last month l was i'll
- Nv thsA : have hseem> abls = =